792 episodes

Chicago’s daily news podcast, fresh every weekday at 6 a.m. Host Jacoby Cochran brings you timely conversations with news and culture makers; activists and artists; bus drivers and students; those who love and hate this place—all in 15 minutes a day. It’s a smart and delightful new way to connect with the city we share. Learn more and subscribe to our morning newsletter at citycast.fm/chicago. 

City Cast Chicago City Cast

    • News
    • 4.8 • 393 Ratings

Chicago’s daily news podcast, fresh every weekday at 6 a.m. Host Jacoby Cochran brings you timely conversations with news and culture makers; activists and artists; bus drivers and students; those who love and hate this place—all in 15 minutes a day. It’s a smart and delightful new way to connect with the city we share. Learn more and subscribe to our morning newsletter at citycast.fm/chicago. 

    Campus Protests Grow, Blues Destination Reopens, and Kendrick Fires Back!

    Campus Protests Grow, Blues Destination Reopens, and Kendrick Fires Back!

    This week as pro-Palestinian protests picked up on campuses across the country, Chicago area students also began setting up encampments demanding universities divest from direct support of Israel as the death toll in Gaza surpasses 34,000 people. Crain’s Chicago reporter Leigh Giangreco and Block Club Chicago’s Maxwell Evans are here with the latest, including what student organizers are saying and a response from the Midwest Anti Defamation League. Plus, former gubernatorial candidate Darren Bailey is accused of colluding with a super PAC, an iconic Greater Grand Crossing Blues club is reopening, and did y’all hear that new Kendrick dis? 

    Good news: Call and Response Bookstore Grand Opening   

    Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Chicago newsletter. 
    Follow us @citycastchicago
    You can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246
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    • 35 min
    What Young People Need From Chicago

    What Young People Need From Chicago

    Applications are now open for the Mayor’s Youth Commission, a group of Chicagoans ages 14 to 19 who work to advise the mayor and city leaders. Last year, host Jacoby Cochran sat down with Benjamin Kagan, chair of the commission’s public health group, and Precious Adedokun of the community safety group to learn what it’s like to be a teenager advising public officials and city actors. The next information session for the Mayor’s Youth Commission is on May 20. 

    Good news: The Chicago Critics Film Festival 

    Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Chicago newsletter. 
    Follow us @citycastchicago
    You can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246
    Become a member of City Cast Chicago.
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    • 18 min
    Your Guide to May in Chicago

    Your Guide to May in Chicago

    If you're new here, welcome! We’ve put together a starter pack for you, with episodes and articles to welcome you to the City Cast Chicago community. 

    May means summertime Chi is almost here — depending on who you ask, that is. In the meantime, we’ve got the tips you need to make the most of May in Chicago from Cinco de Mayo to Memorial Day. Need a mocktail recommendation? We’ve got you. Looking for some self-care tips for Mental Health Awareness Month? We’ve got that, too. 

    For even more tips on how to make the most of May in Chicago, check out Hey Chicago’s take on what to do this month. 
    We’re powered by our members, who enjoy an ad-free version of the show. Find out more about how to become a member of City Cast Chicago.
    Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info here. 
    Reach us at chicago@citycast.fm.
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    • 23 min
    Possible CTA Merger, Foxtrot Lawsuit, and New Birria Deep-Dish

    Possible CTA Merger, Foxtrot Lawsuit, and New Birria Deep-Dish

    State lawmakers are considering a proposal that would merge CTA and other regional transit agencies. Executive producer Simone Alicea and producer Michelle Navarro talk about how it would work. They also discuss former Fotrox and Dom’s Kitchen and Market employees filing a lawsuit following the stores’ closure. Plus, we talk about your favorite and most-hated grocery store chains and how birria and deep-dish are coming together for Cinco de Mayo. 

    Some Good News: Adler at Night

    Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Chicago newsletter. 
    Follow us @citycastchicago
    You can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246
    Become a member of City Cast Chicago.
    Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE
    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    • 24 min
    Are Grocery Chains Chicago’s Only Option?

    Are Grocery Chains Chicago’s Only Option?

    There’s been a lot of grocery news lately: Foxtrot and Dom’s closing. The Kroger-Albertsons merger. Not to mention all the communities in Chicago that don’t even have a grocery store. But big grocery chains aren’t the only option for Chicagoans to get fresh food. Matthew Ruffi is the board president of Chicago Market and senior program director for Link Up Illinois. He tells host Jacoby Cochran about some grocery alternatives and how to bring more options to your neighborhood.

    Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Chicago newsletter. 
    Follow us @citycastchicago
    You can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246
    Become a member of City Cast Chicago.
    Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE
    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    • 22 min
    CTA Investigation, Counting Migrant Students, and Bears Stadium Plans

    CTA Investigation, Counting Migrant Students, and Bears Stadium Plans

    Calls to oust CTA President Dorval Carter continue after a bus driver died behind the wheel after sitting unconscious for nearly an hour. Block Club Chicago’s Manny Ramos and Chalkbeat Chicago’s Samantha Smylie sat with host Jacoby Cochran to talk about what happened. They also discuss how Illinois and Chicago count migrant students, if Illinois lawmakers will extend the school closure moratorium, and the Bears stadium mock-ups. 

    Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Chicago newsletter. 
    Follow us @citycastchicago
    You can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246
    Become a member of City Cast Chicago.
    Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE
    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    • 33 min

Customer Reviews

4.8 out of 5
393 Ratings

393 Ratings

Old Boy Himself ,

Insightful — and fun

Listened to my first Chicago podcast this morning and was delighted by the knowledge — and chemistry — shown by the hosts.

EricaTheWonder ,

Amazing Way to Connect to The City

As a sober person, City Cast has been an incredible resource for me to learn about all of the amazing experiences, food, and nature that the city offers that isn’t centered around drinking. Thank you City Cast Team! Your work is so important!!

Sir Knee ,

Friendly, Fun and Informative

I love tuning in to city cast Chicago to get the rundown on the big Onion!

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